May 12, 2008

A chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education, has been reactivated at California State University, Fresno.

New members – including students, faculty and staff – were inducted into Upsilon Chapter at a ceremony last week and bring total membership to 26.

Phi Beta Delta was founded at CSU Long Beach in 1986 and has grown to an international society with more than 150 chapters.

The Fresno State chapter was established in 1992 by Dr. Fraka Harmsen (Earth and Environmental Sciences), the first chapter president. Other past presidents include Dr. James Kus (Geography) and Dr. Melanie Bloom (Communication).

The chapter had not been active in recent years. Dr. Berta González, associate vice president of Continuing and Global Education, and graduate student Simon Haeder facilitated the reactivation this fall.

The society’s goals are to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities; to advance the development of academic-based international programming; to provide a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors; and to extend the network of members in chapters worldwide.

The society's motto is "Scientia Mutua Mundi" (world's shared knowledge).

Upsilon Chapter members and their university departments are:

• Shirley Melikian Armbruster (University Communications)

• David Berkey (History)

• Charles Boyer (College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology)

• Karen Carey (College of Science and Mathematics)

• Kathleen Curtis (College of Health and Human Services)

• Dennis Driggers (Political Science)

• Jeri Echeverria (Provost)

• Chris Fiorentino (Students for Community Service)

• Berta González, associate vice president of Continuing and Global Education.

• Simon Haeder (student)

• Lucia Hammar (International Student Services and Programs)

• Fraka Harmsen (Earth and Environmental Sciences)

• Doug Hensler (Craig School of Business)

• Katsuyo Howard (International Student Services and Programs)

• Melissa Jordine (History)

• Vanvilai Katkanant (Physics)

• Josh McDonald (student)

• Hollyanne Myrold (student)

• Ram Nunna (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

• Yaw Oheneba-Sakyi (Africana and American Indian Studies)

• Kathy Pehl (The Maddy Institute)

• Melanie Ram (Political Science)

• Vida Samiian (College of Arts and Humanities)

• Naomi Strom (The Maddy Institute)

• Cynthia Teniente-Matson (Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer)

• Matthew Yen (Industrial Technology).

For more information about Phi Beta Delta, contact González at 559.278.0333 or Haeder at 559.294.9119.